Arm apparatus for mounting electronic devices with cable management system

ABSTRACT

An extension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screen electronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor or television, includes a forearm extension that has at one end a first coupling for attachment to a tilter, a platform or other means for supporting a flat-screen device and at the other end a second coupling with a slot formed therein. The extension arm also includes a pair of endcaps, each having a shaft. The shaft of the first endcap is pivotably rotatable in a support mount, such as a wall, desk or pole mount. The shaft of the second endcap is hollow and is pivotably rotatable in the second coupling of the forearm extension. The extension arm also comprises an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel has at opposite ends integrally cast rollers which are pivotably attached to each of the endcaps. The lower channel has a cable channel formed therein. The upper and lower channels and the endcaps form an adjustable parallelogram.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of PatentApplication No. 10/079,804, filed Feb. 20, 2002, which is a divisionalapplication of patent application Ser. No. 09/406,006 filed on Sep. 24,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,409, 134, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) from Provisional Patent Application No. 60/138,120 filedon Jun. 7, 1999, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to an arm apparatus for mountingelectronic devices, and more specifically to an extension arm suitableto mount a flat-screen electronic peripheral device, such as a computermonitor or a television, the extension arm having a system for managingthe cables to and from the flat-screen electronic device.

[0003] Adjustable extension arms for mounting electronic peripheraldevices, such as a computer monitor or a television, are well known inthe prior art. However, due to recent advances in flat-screentechnology, there is a demand for adjustable extension arms that areparticularly suited for use with flat-screen devices, such asflat-screen computer monitors and televisions.

[0004] FIGS. 1-7 are assembly drawings of an extension arm 10 formounting a peripheral device, in accordance with the prior art. As shownin FIG. 1, the main elements of the extension arm 10 are a first endcap12, an upper channel 14, a lower channel 16, a second endcap 18, and aforearm extension 20. The first endcap 12 has an endcap shaft 22 that ispivotably attachable to a rigid support mount (not shown), such as anorifice sized to accept the endcap shaft 22 or a track configured andsized to engage the grooves on endcap shaft 22. The first endcap 12 ispivotably coupled via pins 24 to both the upper channel 14 and the lowerchannel 16. The opposite ends of the upper channel 14 and the lowerchannel 16 are pivotably coupled via pins 24 to the second endcap 18.The second endcap 18 is coupled to the forearm extension 20 via aforearm extension pin 92. The forearm extension 20 has a verticallydisposed hole 26 therethrough for accepting a device mount (not shown)such as a tilter, platform or other apparatus. The combination of theupper and the lower channels 14, 16 and the first and the second endcaps12, 18 form an adjustable parallelogram that permits a device coupled tothe forearm extension 20 to be raised and lowered to a desirable height.The parallelogram retains its position by employing a gas spring 28,which is pivotably and adjustably attached to the first endcap 12 andthe upper channel 14, as will be further described below. Generally, thegas spring 28 is sized so as to have a fixed length until an upward ordownward force is exerted at the second endcap 18 that exceeds the gasspring's designed resistance. Thus, the gas spring 28 causes theparallelogram to retain its position when the only force exerted at thesecond endcap 18 is the weight of the device, but permits theparallelogram to be adjusted when a user pushes the device coupled tothe forearm extension 20 up or down.

[0005]FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the first endcap 12, having theendcap shaft 22 disposed on a first end 30 of the first endcap 12. Toprovide a rigid connection between the two pieces, the endcap shaft 22is typically machined from steel and is inserted into the first end 30during the casting process of the first endcap 12. The endcap shaft 22has a hole 32 formed in an end of the endcap shaft 22 that is insertedinto the first endcap 12. The first endcap 12 is typically fabricatedfrom cast aluminum. The first endcap 12 also has a second end 34 havinga hole 36 disposed therethrough. Disposed within the first endcap 12 isa threaded rod 38. A first end 40 of the threaded rod 38 is insertedinto the hole 32 at the base of the endcap shaft 22. A second end 42 ofthe threaded rod 38 is aligned with the hole 36 and is held in place bya clip 44. The clip 44 is fastened to an inner surface of the firstendcap 12 by screws 46.

[0006] Threadedly mounted on the threaded rod 38 is a clevis 48. FIG. 3illustrates a sideview of the clevis 48 including a tapped hole 50 inthe center thereof. The tapped hole 50 receives the threaded rod 38, asshown in FIG. 2. At a first end of the clevis 48 is a pair of fasteningmembers 52, 54 to which are fastened one end of the gas spring 28. Asecond end 56 of the clevis 48 is configured to slidably engage a track58 which is integrally molded in the first endcap 12 (see FIG. 2). Thesecond end 42 of the threaded rod 38 is configured to be engaged by ahex-shaped key which is inserted through the hole 36 when the second end42 is properly aligned with the hole 36. The hex-shaped key is employedso as to rotate the threaded rod 38 along its axis of rotation. When thethreaded rod 38 is rotated along its axis of rotation, the clevis 48moves along the length of the threaded rod 38 in a direction thatcorresponds to the direction which the hex-shaped key is turned. Thismovement of the clevis 48 permits the gas spring 28 to be adjusted.

[0007] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the upper channel 14, whichcomprises channel bottom 60 from which extend two channel sidewalls 62.Channel bottom 60 and sidewalls 62 are typically stamped from 13 gaugesteel sheet in order to give the upper channel 14 a desired degree ofstructural rigidity. At each of the ends of the channel bottom 60, asemi-circular region 64 of the sidewalls 62 is cut out to accommodatecold-rolled steel rollers 66, which have a hole 68 therethrough forreceiving the pins 24. The rollers 66 are rigidly attached to the upperchannel 14 by MIG welding along the edge of the semi-circular cut outregion 64 and along the ends of the channel bottom 60.

[0008] Additionally, the upper channel 14 comprises stiffener 70, whichis welded to an inner surface of the channel bottom 60. Besidesproviding additional structural rigidity to the upper channel 14, thestiffener 70 has a hole disposed at one end with a threaded ball stud 72placed within the hole and fixed in place by a nut 74. The ball stud 72is configured and sized to receive one end of the gas spring 28. Thelongitudinal centerline 76 of the upper channel 14 is illustrated inFIG. 4(b).

[0009] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate the lower channel 16 whichcomprises a channel bottom 78 from which extend two channel sidewalls80. As with the upper channel 14, the channel bottom 78 and sidewalls 80are typically stamped from 13 gauge steel sheet, which is relativelyheavy in order to give the lower channel 16 a desired degree ofstructural rigidity. At opposite ends of the channel bottom 78, asemicircular region 82 of the sidewalls 80 is cut out to accommodatecold-rolled steel rollers 84, which have a hole 86 therethrough forreceiving the pins 24. The rollers 84 are rigidly attached to the lowerchannel 16 by MIG welding along the edge of the semi-circular cut outregion 82 and along the ends of the channel bottom 78. The longitudinalcenterline 88 of the lower channel 16 is illustrated on FIG. 5(b).

[0010]FIG. 6 illustrates the second endcap 18. Unlike the first endcap12, the second endcap 18 does not have an endcap shaft, nor does it havea clevis assembly for attachment to the gas spring 28. Instead, thesecond endcap 18 has a hole 90 disposed in a bottom end for receivingthe forearm extension pin 92, and a hole 94 in a side for inserting apin 96 into the forearm extension pin 92, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 7 illustrates the forearm extension 20 having the forearmextension pin 92 welded thereto. The forearm extension pin 92 has a hole98 formed in an upper end to receive the pin 96. The forearm extension20 is configured to be pivoted around the forearm extension pin 92, andis held in place within the second endcap 18 by the pin 96 whichpenetrates the hole 94 of the second endcap 18 and the hole 98 of theforearm extension pin 92.

[0012] Extension arms 10 of the prior art, such as the one shown inFIGS. 1-7 and others like it, are ill-suited for flat-screen monitorsand televisions, in that they are bulky and cumbersome. Moreover, due tothe configuration of its various parts, extension arms 10 of the priorart cannot be flattened against a mounting surface so that the entireextension arm 10 is hidden behind the flat-screen device when the deviceis substantially flush with the mounting surface. Furthermore, theextension arms 10 of the prior art are not designed so as to enable thecables to and from a device to be substantially hidden, and thusprotected, within the extension arm 10 itself. Additionally, theextension arms 10 of the prior art are costly to manufacture anddifficult to assemble.

[0013] Thus, there is a need for an extension arm suitable to mount aflat-screen electronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor ortelevision, that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble,that permits a flat-screen device to be mounted substantially flush withthe mounting surface, and that enables the cables to and from theflat-screen device to be substantially hidden from view within theextension arm and thus protected from the elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, relatesto an extension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screen electronicperipheral device, such as a computer monitor or television. Theextension arm is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble,permits a flat-screen device to be mounted substantially flush with amounting surface, and enables the cables to and from the flat-screendevice to be substantially hidden from view within the extension arm.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension armcomprises a first and a second endcap, an upper and a lower channel, anda forearm extension. Each endcap has a shaft. The shaft of the firstendcap is pivotably rotatable in a support mount, such as a wall, deskor pole mount. The shaft of the second endcap is rotatably coupled tothe forearm extension.

[0016] The upper channel and the lower channel have at opposite endsintegrally cast rollers. The rollers are pivotably attached to therespective endcap. The upper and lower channels and the endcaps form anadjustable parallelogram. The shape of the parallelogram is retained bya gas spring. A first end of the gas spring is attached to a ball studmounted in the upper channel. A second end of the gas spring isadjustably mounted to the first endcap.

[0017] The forearm extension is a U-shaped channel with a first couplingdisposed at one end for rotatably coupling to a tilter, a platform orother means for supporting a flat-screen device. The forearm extensionhas a second coupling disposed at the other end for rotatably couplingto the shaft of the second endcap.

[0018] The first endcap also includes a clevis pivotably attached to thesecond end of the gas spring and a threaded rod threadedly engaging theclevis, such that the clevis slides within the first endcap when the rodrotates around its axial centerline. The threaded rod is rotatablysecured within the first endcap by a retainer clip and a pair of screws.

[0019] A cable can be substantially hidden from view by being disposedwithin the extension arm. The cable is disposed within the lowerchannel, the second endcap and the forearm extension. The lower channelincludes a cable channel formed in a lower surface thereof so that thecable can be inserted within the lower channel. The cable is held inplace within the lower channel by a cable cover which engages the cablechannel. The second endcap has a hollow shaft so that the cable can befed through the shaft to the forearm extension. The second coupling ofthe forearm extension has a hole in an interior wall so that the cablecan be disposed through the hole and into the U-shaped channel. Thecable is held within the U-shaped channel by a cable clip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form apart of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 1 is an assembly drawing of an extension arm for mounting acomputer monitor, in accordance with the prior art;

[0022]FIG. 2 illustrates a first endcap of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

[0023]FIG. 3 illustrates the clevis assembly of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

[0024]FIGS. 4a and 4 b illustrate the upper channel of an extension arm,in accordance with the prior art;

[0025]FIGS. 5a and 5 b illustrate the lower channel of an extension arm,in accordance with the prior art;

[0026]FIG. 6 illustrates a second endcap of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

[0027]FIG. 7 illustrates a forearm extension of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

[0028]FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly drawing of an extension arm havingan interior cable management system for adjustably mounting aflat-screen device to a support mount, according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

[0029]FIG. 9 is a side view of an extension arm with an interior cablemanagement system;

[0030]FIGS. 10a-d illustrate several views of a first endcap, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0031]FIGS. 11a-d illustrate several views of an upper channel,according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIGS. 12a-e illustrate several views of a lower channel, accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIGS. 13a-c illustrate several views of a partially enclosedhousing of a second endcap, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

[0034]FIGS. 14a-c illustrates several views of a shaft assembly of asecond endcap, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0035]FIG. 15 illustrates an assembled second endcap according to oneembodiment of the invention;

[0036]FIGS. 16a and 16 b illustrate a forearm extension, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention; and

[0037]FIGS. 17a-b, illustrate several views of a bushing used in asecond female coupling of the extension arm illustrated in FIGS. 16a-b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In describing the preferred embodiments of the inventionillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for thesake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited tothe specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0039] With reference to the drawings, in general, and FIGS. 8 through17 in particular, the apparatus of the present invention is disclosed.Embodiments of an extension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screenelectronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor or television,that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble, and permits aflat-screen device to be mounted substantially flush with a mountingsurface is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/133,378 filed May 10, 1999 entitled “Arm Apparatus For MountingElectronic Devices”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein inits entirety. The current invention discloses embodiments that enablethe extension arm to substantially hide from view the cables to and fromthe flat-screen electronic peripheral device within the extension arm.

[0040]FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly drawing of an extension arm 100 inaccordance with one embodiment. The extension arm 100 comprises a firstendcap 102, an upper channel 104, a lower channel 106, a second endcap108, and a forearm extension 110. FIG. 9 illustrates how cables to andfrom the device are disposed within the lower channel 106, the secondend cap 108, and the forearm extension 110 of the extension arm 100 soas to be hidden from view. FIG. 9 will be discussed in more detaillater.

[0041] FIGS. 10Ca and 10 b illustrate the first endcap 102, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. In the embodimentshown, the first endcap 102 includes a partially-enclosed housing 112which has flat, oppositely-disposed endwalls 146 and 148 fixedlyconnected by a sidewall 150. The sidewall 150 extends partially aroundthe partially-enclosed housing 112 so as to permit manipulation ofcomponents to be assembled within the first endcap 102. In oneembodiment, the endwalls 146 and 148 are semi-circular in shape and areconnected along a semicircular edge to the sidewall 150, which extendsperpendicularly therebetween.

[0042]FIG. 10a illustrates the first endcap 102 having a shaft 114disposed on the endwall 148. The shaft 114 is preferably integrallymolded to the endwall 148 of the first endcap 102. Preferably the entirefirst endcap 102 (the partially enclosed housing 112 and the shaft 114)is molded from zinc. The endwall 146 has a hole 152 disposedtherethrough. Within the partially enclosed housing 112 and integrallymolded on the sidewall 150 are stops 156 disposed in proximity to theendwalls 146, 148; trough walls 158 disposed longitudinally along theinner surface of the sidewall 150 between the endwalls 146 and 148 so asto define a trough 160 therebetween; and shelves 162 disposed adjacentto the endwall 148.

[0043] The stops 156 serve to stop upward or downward movement of theextension arm 100 when ends of the upper channel 104 and the lowerchannel 106, respectively, meet the stops 156 when the extension arm 100is in extended positions. The trough 160 disposed between the troughwalls 158 allows a clevis 120 to be moved therein, as discussed in moredetail later. FIG. 10b illustrates the shelves 162 defining coplanarfaces separated by a groove 164. The shelves 162 have a connectionmeans, such as self-tapping screw holes 154 disposed therein. Theco-planar faces of the shelves 162 are configured to engage a retainerclip 126, which is fastened in place by, for example, a pair of screws128. When the retainer clip 126 is fastened in place, the groove 164defines a spacing for accepting one end of a threaded rod 124, asdiscussed in more detail below.

[0044] The threaded rod 124 and the clevis 120 are now fabricated andassembled in the first endcap 102. The threaded rod 124 is employedwithin the first endcap 102 so as to adjustably support the clevis 120.FIG. 10c illustrates the threaded rod 124 having a first end 166 whichhas a circular cross-section within which is axially disposed a shapedopening 168, for example a hex-shaped opening, for accepting a shapedkey (not shown), such as a hex-shaped key. Advantageously, across-sectional diameter of the first end 166 is smaller than across-sectional diameter of the hole 152, so as to be inserted therein.Adjacent the first end 166 is a shoulder 170. Advantageously, theshoulder 170 has a circular cross-section having a diameter that islarger than the cross-sectional diameter of the hole 152. Thus, in apreferred embodiment, the shoulder 170 abuts an inner surface of theendwall 146 and retains the first end 166 within the hole 152.

[0045] The threaded rod 124 also includes a threaded section 172 whichis configured to threadingly engage the clevis 120. A second end 174 ofthreaded rod 124 is disposed in the groove 164 located between theshelves 162 of the first endcap 102. Preferably, the second end 174 ofthe threaded rod 124 has a circular cross-section having a diameter thatis smaller than the size of the groove 164, such that the second end 174is supported between the shelves 162 but is free to rotate therein.

[0046] As previously mentioned, threadedly mounted on the rod 124 is theclevis 120. The clevis 120 as illustrated in FIG. 10d, has a tapped hole176 formed therein for receiving the threaded rod 124. The clevis 120also has a pair of fastening members 178 at a first end to which arefastened a first end of a gas spring 122. The second end of the clevis120 is configured to slidably engage the trough 160.

[0047] When the first end 166 of the threaded rod 124 is engaged by ashaped key, the shaped key is employed so as to rotate the threaded rod124 around its axial centerline. When the threaded rod 124 is rotatedaround this axis of rotation, the clevis 120 moves along the length ofthe threaded rod 124 in a direction that corresponds to the directionwhich the shaped key is turned. This movement of the clevis 120 permitsthe gas spring 122 to be adjusted.

[0048] The partially enclosed housing 112 is configured with, forexample, holes 116 to receive a connection mechanism, such as pins 118,therethrough. The shaft 114 is configured to be inserted for pivotablerotation in a support mount (not shown), which may be a wall, desk orpole mount, or a configurable mount as shown and described inApplicant's copending patent applications: Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/106,729 filed on Nov. 2, 1998 and Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/108,469 filed on Nov. 14, 1998.

[0049]FIGS. 11a-d illustrate several views of the upper channel 104,according to one embodiment of the invention. The upper channel 104includes a U-shaped body 130 and integrally cast rollers 132 disposed atopposite ends of the U-shaped body 130. The U-shaped body 130 comprisesa channel bottom 180 from which extend two channel sidewalls 182. Thechannel bottom 180, the sidewalls 182 and the rollers 132 of the upperchannel 104 are preferably integrally cast from zinc, which gives theupper channel 104 a lesser weight, and a degree of structural rigidity,more suitable for lighter-weight flat-screen devices than the prior artupper channel 14 which is stamped from heavy gauge steel. The rollers132 have a hole 184 therethrough (either cast or subsequently drilled)for receiving a connection mechanism, such as the pins 118.Additionally, the upper channel 104 comprises a threaded hole 186configured and sized to receive a threaded end of a ball stud 138. Thethreaded hole 186 is also integrally cast. The ball stud 138 isconfigured and sized to receive a second end of the gas spring 122.

[0050] Unlike the prior art upper channel 14 in which the U-shapedchannel is formed by heating a piece of steel and bending the steel toform the channel bottom 60 and the sidewalls 62, the upper channel 104of the invention is cast molded. The use of cast molding ensures theangle between the channel bottom 180 and the sidewalls 182 is exactlythe same each and every time. Moreover, cast molding enables thesidewalls 182 to be tapered. As illustrated in FIGS. 11c and lid, bothan outer surface and an inner surface of the sidewalls 182 may taper in,for example, by approximately 1 degree. It should be noted that thetaper is not limited to 1 degree, and that the taper of the innersurface and the outer surface need not be the same. The taper providesseveral advantages including more clearance between the upper and thelower channels 104, 106 when the upper and the lower channels 104, 106are brought together during usage. That is, the inner surface of thesidewalls 182 being displaced by 1 degree means that there will beadditional clearance for the lower channel 106 to fit therewithin. Theadditional clearance will help prevent the upper channel 104 and thelower channel 106 from scraping together.

[0051]FIGS. 12a-e illustrate several views of the lower channel 106,according to one embodiment of the invention. The lower channel 106includes a U-shaped body 134 and integrally cast rollers 136 disposed atopposite ends of the U-shaped body 134. The U-shaped body 134 of thelower channel 106 comprises a channel bottom 190 from which extend twochannel sidewalls 192. The channel bottom 190, the sidewalls 192 and therollers 136 of the lower channel 106 are preferably integrally cast fromzinc, which gives the lower channel 106 a lesser weight when compared toheavy gauge steel, and a degree of structural rigidity, more suitablefor lighter-weight flat-screen devices. The rollers 136 have a hole 194therethrough (either cast or subsequently drilled) for receiving aconnection mechanism, such as the pins 118.

[0052] The channel bottom 190 additionally includes a cable channel 196running longitudinally therealong. In the embodiment shown, a first end197 of the cable channel 196 starts near an end of the channel bottom190 that pivotably connects to the first endcap 102. The cable channel196 then runs along the entire length of the channel bottom 190 to theend of the channel bottom 190 that pivotably connects to the secondendcap 108. Thus, the second end 199 of the cable channel 196 is anopening between the roller 136 at the end of the channel bottom thatpivotably connects to the second endcap 108. The first end 197 may be,for example, rounded to improve the rigidity of the lower channel 106.The cable channel 196 is configured to receive a cable cover 198(illustrated in FIG. 12e) which is configured to removably fit withinthe cable channel 196. Thus, cables of the mounted device may besubstantially retained within the lower channel 106 so as to hide themfrom view and protect them from harm. The cable channel 196 and thecable cover 198 enable cables to be accessed when desired, whilesecuring them within the lower channel 106.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 12c and 12 d the sidewalls 192 of thelower channel 106 are tapered. For example, an outer surface of thesidewalls 192 may be tapered approximately {fraction (1/2)} degree whilean inner surface may be tapered approximately 1 degree. It should benoted that the taper is not limited to a particular angle, and that thetaper of the inner surface and the outer surface may be the same. Thetaper is possible because the lower channel 106 is, in the preferredembodiment, cast molded. As noted above with respect to the upperchannel 104, the taper provides more clearance between the upper channel104 and the lower channel 106 so as to reduce or eliminate the chance ofthe upper and the lower channels 104, 106 scraping.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 12e, the cable cover 198 includes a topcover 202 with two sidewalls 204 protruding therefrom. A far end of eachsidewall 204 has a catch 206 formed thereon so as to engage with thecable channel 196.

[0055] The second endcap 108 includes a partially enclosed housing 250and a shaft assembly 252. As illustrated in FIGS. 13a-c, the partiallyenclosed housing 250 has a first endwall 254 and a second endwall 256oppositely-disposed from each other and fixedly connected by a sidewall258. The sidewall 258 extends partially around the partially-enclosedhousing 250 so as to permit manipulation of components, such as cables,which may be contained therewithin. The first endwall 254 has a hole 260disposed therethrough and threaded holes 262 disposed therein that arein communication with the hole 260. Disposed with the threaded holes 262are set screws 264. Preferably, the diameter of the hole 260 is largeenough to allow a plug end of a cable to fit therethrough.

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 14a-c, the shaft assembly 252 preferablyincludes two symmetrical endcap adapters 266 which when assembledprovide a hollow shaft 268. The endcap adapters 266 have a mounting end270 and a shaft end 272 that is thinner than the mounting end 270. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, the mounting end 270 of both of the endcapadapters 266 are inserted into the hole 260 and are coupled together andto the partially enclosed housing 250, to form the second endcap 108, bytightening the set screws 264.

[0057] The upper and the lower channels 104, 106 and the first and thesecond endcaps 102, 108 are configured so as to form an adjustableparallelogram. When configured, the shaft 114 of the first endcap 102and the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108 point in oppositedirections. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the shaft 114 of thefirst endcap 102 extends vertically downward while the hollow shaft 268of the second endcap 108 extends vertically upward. The shape of theparallelogram is retained by the gas spring 122. As previouslymentioned, the first end of the gas spring 122 is attached to the ballstud 138 mounted within the upper channel 104 and the second end isadjustably mounted to the clevis 120 within the first endcap 102.Generally, the gas spring 122 is sized so as to have a fixed lengthuntil an upward or downward force is exerted at the second endcap 108that exceeds the gas spring's designed resistance. Thus, the gas spring122 retains the parallelogram shape when the only force exerted at thesecond endcap 108 is the weight of the flat-screen device. However, thegas spring 122 permits the parallelogram shape to be adjusted when auser pushes the flat-screen device coupled to the forearm extension 110up or down.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 16a and 16 b, the forearm extension 110includes a body 140 having a first female coupling 142 located on afirst end and a second female coupling 144 located on a second end. Thefirst female coupling 142 has an inner diameter 209 that is sized torotatably engage the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108. Thefirst female coupling 142 is also configured to receive a cable throughthe hollow shaft 268. That is, the first female coupling 142 has a cableslot 274 formed therein, for example by milling the cable slot 274 intothe first female coupling 142, or by casting the first female coupling142 with the cable slot 274 integrally formed therein.

[0059] The first female coupling 142 preferably has a set screw 212formed within a wall 214 thereof. The set screw 212 can be tightened toprevent the first female coupling 142 from rotating about the hollowshaft 268. Advantageously, the first female coupling 142 has a pluralityof voids 217 formed in the wall 214, which saves on material costs andpermits the forearm extension 110, when cast, to be cooled more quickly.The quicker cooling enables the production quantity to be increased.

[0060] A bushing 210 (FIG. 8) is preferably used to engage the firstfemale coupling 142 and the hollow shaft 268. That is, the bushing 210is placed over the hollow shaft 268 and within the first female coupling142. The bushing 210 is preferably made of a smooth material, such asplastic, in order to reduce friction and prevent metal to metal contact.As illustrated in FIGS. 17a and 17 b, the bushing 210 also has a cableslot 276 formed therein. The cable slots 274, 276 are aligned so that acable can pass therethrough. When the set screw 212 is tightened itcauses the bushing 210 to flex inward and frictionally engage the hollowshaft 268 and thus prevent the forearm extension 110 from rotating aboutthe hollow shaft 268. The hollow shaft 268 and the first female coupling142 are held together by utilizing a screw 211 and a washer 213 (FIG.8).

[0061] The body 140 preferably has an inverted U-shape with a topwall207 and two sidewalls 208 so that a cable can be hidden therein.Advantageously attached within the U-shaped body 140, and preferably onthe topwall 207, is a cable holder 278 (FIG. 8). The cable holder 278secures a cable within the U-shaped body so that it can be hidden fromview as it travels the length of the forearm extension 110.

[0062] The second female coupling 144 is for attachment to a devicemounting (not shown), such as a tilter (described in Applicant'sco-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 60/137,088 filed on Jun.2, 1999), a platform, or other means for supporting a flat-screendevice. Thus, the second female coupling 144 has an inner diameter 218that is sized to rotatably engage a shaft of the device mount. A bushing220 (FIG. 8), preferably made of a smooth material such as plastic, isplaced over the shaft and within the second female coupling 144. Thesecond female coupling 144 preferably has a set screw 222 formed withina wall 224 of the second female coupling 144. When the set screw 222 istightened it causes the bushing 220 to flex inward and frictionallyengage the shaft and thus prevent the device mount from rotating aroundthe second female coupling 144. Advantageously, the second femalecoupling 144 also has a plurality of voids 226 formed in the wall 224.

[0063] The embodiment of the forearm extension 110 illustrated in FIGS.16a and 16 b, has the topwall 207 flush with an upper edge of the femalecouplings 142, 144. Since the first female coupling 142 is larger thanthe second female coupling, the center of the first female coupling 142is not aligned with the center of the second female coupling 144 or anaxial centerline 228 of the body 140. It should be noted that analternative embodiment is to have the center of the female couplings142, 144 and the axial centerline 228 of the body 140 all aligned, sothat the topwall 207 would not be aligned with an upper edge of thefirst female coupling 142.

[0064] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16a, has the body 140horizontally disposed between the female couplings 142, 144 when theaxial centerlines of the female couplings 142, 144 are verticallydisposed. It should be noted however that the body 140 is not limited tobe horizontally disposed and may be disposed at an incline in thisembodiment.

[0065] The present invention permits a flat-screen device which ismounted to a wall to be flattened against the wall while hiding theextension arm 100 within the shadow of the device. That is, the forearmextension 110 may be folded into a position which is directly above theupper and the lower channels 104, 106 As a result, the mounted device isflush to the mounting surface and substantially hides the parallelogram,formed by the first and the second endcaps 102, 108 and the upper andthe lower channels 104, 106, as well as the forearm extension 110 fromview. Thus, the aesthetic appeal of the extension arm 100 is increasedand the space occupied by the extension arm 100 and the device isminimized.

[0066] Referring back to FIG. 9, a flat screen monitor 300 is attachedto a tilter 302 which is rotatably coupled to the second female coupling144. A cable 304, such as a power cable, proceeds from the monitor 300to the underside off the U-shaped body 140 of the forearm extension 110.The cable 304 is held in place within the U-shaped body 140 by the cableholder 278. The cable 304 proceeds from the body through the cable slots274, 276 in the bushing 210 and the first female coupling 142. The cablethen proceeds through the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108. Thecable exits the second endcap 208 through the open end of the partiallyenclosed housing 260. The cable proceeds down the length of the lowerchannel 106 and exits at the first end 197 of the cable channel 196.

[0067] Preferably, the cable 304 is inserted into the extension arm 100as portions of the extension arm 100 are being assembled. That is, thecable 304 is placed under the U-shaped body 140 of the forearm extension110 and is held in place by the cable holder 278. The cable is thenpassed through the cable slots 274, 276. The cable 304 including theplug 306 is then fed through the hole 260 in the second endcap 108. Thesecond endcap 108 is now assembled by inserting the mounting end 270 ofeach endcap adapter 268 into the hole 260, thus surrounding the cable304. The endcap adapters 268 are held together and within the hole 260by tightening the set screws 264. The hollow shaft 268 is then placedwithin the first female coupling 142. The cable 304 is placed within thelower channel 106, prior to the lower channel 106 and the second endcapbeing secured together. This ensures that the cable 304 is above theroller 136 and is contained within the hollow bar formed by the upperchannel 104 and the lower channel 106.

[0068] Referring back to FIG. 8, several additional components of theextension arm 100 are discussed. For aesthetic purposes, a bumper 280may be placed on the second endwall 256 of the second endcap 108 and aplug 282 may be placed over the first female coupling 142. A washer 284may be placed over the two endcap adapters 268 to help secure themtogether.

[0069] Although this invention has been illustrated by reference tospecific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications may be made that clearly fallwithin the scope of the invention. The invention is intended to beprotected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A channel for use in an extension arm that adjustably mounts a deviceto a support mount and conceals cables to and from the device withinsaid channel, said channel comprising an elongated body; a first rollerdisposed at a first end of said body; a second roller disposed at asecond end of said body; and a cable channel formed within said bodythat runs longitudinally therealong from a location adjacent to thefirst end of said channel to the second end of said body so as to passthrough said second roller and to form an opening in the second end ofsaid body.
 2. The channel of claim 1, wherein said cable channel has twoopposite edges that are parallel to a longitudinal centerline of saidbody.
 3. The channel of claim 1, wherein one end of said cable channelis rounded.
 4. The channel of claim 1, further comprising a cable coverthat is removably attachable to said cable channel.
 5. The channel ofclaim 1, wherein each of said rollers have holes located at a respectiveaxial centerline.
 6. The channel of claim 1, wherein said body isU-shaped in cross-section.
 7. The channel of claim 1, wherein said bodyincludes a pair of spaced apart tapered sidewalls.
 8. A channel for usein an extension arm that adjustably mounts a device to a support mountand conceals cables to and from the device within said channel, saidchannel comprising a U-shaped body including a pair of spaced apart sidewalls and a bottom wall; a first roller disposed at a first end of saidbody; a second roller disposed at a second end of said body; and a cablechannel formed within said bottom wall extending longitudinally from alocation adjacent the first end of said channel to the second end ofsaid body, said cable channel extending through said second roller toform an opening therein.
 9. The channel of claim 8, wherein said cablechannel has two opposite edges that are parallel to a longitudinalcenterline of said body.
 10. The channel of claim 8, wherein one end ofsaid cable channel is rounded.
 11. The channel of claim 8, whereinfurther comprising a cable cover that is removably attachable to saidcable channel.
 12. The channel of claim 8, wherein said body includes apair of spaced apart tapered sidewalls.